Passion Woman

I'm off today in preparation to go visit Mary Beth in California - I'm so excited!!! At Mary Beth's suggestion (and because I have the time) I'm going to tell the story of Passion Woman. Back in 1996 or 1997 (I can't believe it's been over 10 years!) I started using Passion Woman to celebrate Valentine's Day. It came about for two reasons. First, I had so many female friends and co-workers who either didn't get Valentines from their honeys or who were single. Second, my daughter had asked me (in so many words) how come all holiday gift givers were male...even the Easter Bunny is portrayed as a boy. So, Passion Woman was born.

Passion Woman brings gifts that inspire your passion for life. For my friends, it was a balloon, a chocolate and a Valentine's Day wish. One year I made little notebooks, one year I gave out candles and one of my favorites was a magnet with the quote "Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things" Denis Diderot (1713-1784).

For my children, it was an ice cream scoop, a cool broom with a decorated handle for inspiring soaring through life. Stuff like that. My husband Mark became "Bobo the Valentine Swine" and my Valentine's Day gift was always being able to spend the money I wanted to be Passion Woman.

It was so fun. The first year there were about 12 recipients for Passion Woman gifts. I think the most passion ever disseminated was for 30. I ordered balloons, bought chocolates and just enjoyed the creativity of coming up with ideas. On Valentine's Day I got up very early and delivered to the gals I didn't work with. Anna became my trusty sidekick, Passion Girl.

Unfortunately, the last few years have been less passionate. I don't really know why. Last year my long-time supervisory had given notice and there was a lot of turmoil surrounding that and I didn't have much spare energy. After spending a year in my new job (the one vacated) I still don't have much spare energy. But I've spent the last several days sharing stories about Passion Woman and her adventures. And Anna saved the day today by dressing in a delightful red dress and armed with Valentines and went off to school as Passion Girl. So, despite her sabbatical, I think Passion Woman will live on.

Happy Valentine's Day ~ may you find soul elevating passion!